July 2002 –
Our country needs a Savior now,
It’s not too late.
It’s time to hold onto freedom before it drifts away.
It’s time to remember in Whom we put our trust, Oh, Lord,
Before America’s forgotten Son is Jesus.
America! America! God has shed His grace on thee,
I love this land where justice stands by faith and liberty.
Rick Muchow
The thought-provoking words above were put to music as a kind of prelude to the beloved “America the Beautiful,” one of our nation’s most cherished songs. As Independence Day draws near, our thoughts turn naturally to the patriotic songs whose lyrics reflect our love for God and country, and fill our hearts with gratitude that we are Americans.
But these lyrics carry a deeper, more serious message. They serve as a warning to our country to return to God, and to honor Jesus, the Savior Who has all but become “America’s Forgotten Son.”
Writer/Arranger Rick Muchow, vocalist and music pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, says this touching song “is based on the idea that our nation was founded on God’s principles and on trusting in God, and how we’ve gotten away from that. And yet, it’s not too late for our country to come back. We shouldn’t lose hope....”
“America’s Forgotten Son” is just one of thirteen rich, patriotic tunes available for the listener’s enjoyment on American Family Association’s new CD, In God We Trust – a Patriotic Collection. The recording is dedicated to: 1) honoring our nation’s heroes (in the military, fire department and law enforcement); 2) celebrating our freedom; and 3) thanking God for our nation.
J.J. Jasper, American Family Radio disc jockey, hosted a recent radio special on which the CD’s music was featured. The inspiring evening featured numerous individuals who expressed thanks to God for this great country and all the blessings He’s given us. Also sprinkled throughout the program were expressions of appreciation and love for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day, both in this country and abroad, in order to protect our nation’s freedoms.
A special treat included an interview with Muchow, who offered background and insight into the CD’s purpose. Undergirding it all was the stirring, patriotic music.
Muchow says recording the CD was a blessing as he worked alongside producer and co-arranger Tony Guerrero to bring the project to fruition. A host of talented vocalists and musicians, as well as the adult and children’s choirs from Saddleback Church, are featured in the selections.
When asked whether there was a particular person or event that prompted him to record the patriotic CD, Muchow answered, “I grew up in New York City and watched the World Trade Centers go up. I have always had a heart for the city and its people. We created [the CD] in direct response to the 9-11 tragedy ... We wanted to reach out particularly to the ... firemen, police and port authority ... I just felt that a project like this was very important to create to minister to the public servants, New York City, our community and the nation as a whole.
“We specifically chose songs that were patriotic but also with a strong gospel message. We didn’t simply want to send out a blind rally cry for our country, but a cry for our country to respond to God,” said Muchow. Featuring old favorites like the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” the recording also contains several selections that may not be so familiar. “White Ribbon Day” and “Beneath the Badge” are two that, although they were written several years ago, resonate with lyrics uncannily appropriate to the September 11 tragedies.
There is something about their calling, costs them everything they have,
Like the wife who gave her husband, or a child who gave his dad.
Beneath the badge there beats a heart so full of courage, a light in the dark.
Beneath the badge there’s only one aim, to serve the people,
Knowing that it starts beneath the badge.
Brian White, Joe Beck
The most promising song on the CD is the last one. Written by Muchow, it’s called “Catch the Spirit,” and it was written specifically for the 1986 rededication of the Statue of Liberty. In addition to the lyrics below, it also contains a young voice speaking the famous words, “Give me your tired, your poor, Bring me your hopeless....” This tune’s uplifting message and happy beat bring joy, hope and the prospect of dreams come true for those who call America home.
America is my home.
I love this land,
Most of all because we stand
One nation under God.
Catch the spirit of hope,
Catch the spirit of freedom,
Catch the spirit of liberty,
America.
American Family Association, through its radio stations and all other facets of its ministry, has long fought the battle to keep God, and a devoted trust in Him, utmost in the hearts and minds of America’s citizens. The “In God We Trust” CD is one more method through which AFA hopes to touch and inspire individuals, while also providing an opportunity to support the ministry.
Your gift of $20 or more will bring this stirring CD into your home where you can enjoy it for years to come. It may be ordered from AFA. (no longer available) 
